AN 11-year-old schoolgirl has swapped the classroom for her pony to compete in a prestigious equestrian competition.

Maddy Schaible was the only primary school youngster to qualify in the individual section of this year’s National Schools Equestrian Association championships, which were held in Buckinghamshire last month.

The Ingleton CofE School pupil, of Headlam, in County Durham, has been riding since she could stand and follows a string of successful siblings who have also taken to the saddle in the esteemed event.

Her older sister, Lillia, won the competition last year, at the age of just 14.

Along with her pony, Lucy, Maddy came away with a string of rosettes which included first place in the mini Rio competition; fourth in the Rio championship and sixth in the 80cm individual show jumping.

The youngster rides every day and is encouraged by her mum, Nicola Schaible, who has invited all of the schoolchildren to ride at their home to develop the school team.

Speaking of her success, the youngster, said: “I’m really happy.”